UNESCO-stalled bridge work, a white elephant for K'taka Govt

Bellary, Karnataka, Mar 12 (UNI) The inordinate delay in completing the hanging bridge across river Tungabhadra near Anegundi village, a part of the world heritage site of Hampi, has cost the Karnataka Government dear.

The bridge construction was stopped after completing 80 per cent of the work following objections raised by UNESCO. The work, taken up in 1997 at an estimated cost of Rs 4.12 crore, required another Rs 3.37 crore for its completion, thanks to the hurdles.

UNESCO found fault with the site selection for the bridge, connecting Hampi with Anegundi, and contended that heavy movement of vehicles on the bridge would ruin the historic monuments.

The Karnataka Government had taken up the bridge construction, without seeking prior permission from UNESCO, according to highly placed sources. The Government's concern was only to reduce the travel time between the two world heritage sites, besides making a short route for commuters of Hospet, Gangavati and Raichur, they said.

The cable stayed bridge was designed to withstand a load bearing capacity of 80 tonnes per vehicle with a length of 226 m with the approach of 1043 m towards Anegundi side left bank and 125 m towards Hampi side right bank.

In the wake of UNESCO raising objections after completing 202 m of the total 226 m of the bridge, several constructive discussions took place between the Government and UNESCO representatives. UNESCO Consultant Prof H D Kammeier suggested some changes in the bridge when he visited it in 2001. Accepting the suggestions, the State Government laid a new alternative road, bypassing the Talwarghatta gate and its fort walls.

However, any further delay in completing the project might ruin the steel material and platform of the bridge, laid five years ago.

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